Enictool
Configuring Cisco NIC Teaming on UCS B200-M3
For Windows-based Cisco UCS B-Series blades, native teaming is often handled via the Cisco-specific driver contained in the UCS Windows Utilities ISO. Here is how to install and manage teams via the Command Line Interface (CLI).
Prerequisites
- Download the Windows Utilities ISO from Cisco.com.
- Choose either the B-Series Blade or C-Series Rack-Mount software bundle.
- Ensure you have Administrator privileges on the Windows target.
Phase 1: Installing the NIC Teaming Driver
The driver is installed using the enictool. You must point it to the directory containing the .inf files from the ISO.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run the following command:DOS
enictool -p "C:\path\to\drivers"Example:C:\> enictool -p "c:\temp"
Phase 2: Creating and Configuring the Team
Once the driver is active, you can group your logical interfaces into a team.
- Identify your connections: Use
ipconfigorncpa.cplto find the exact names (e.g., “Local Area Connection”). - Create the Team:DOS
enictool -c "Connection 1" "Connection 2" -m [mode]
Mode Reference Table
| Mode ID | Description | Best Use Case |
| 1 | Active-Backup | Basic redundancy; one link stays idle. |
| 2 | Active-Backup (Failback) | Redundancy; always reverts to the primary link when healthy. |
| 3 | Active-Active | Transmit Load Balancing; uses both links for outgoing traffic. |
| 4 | 802.3ad LACP | Link Aggregation; requires specific configuration on the Fabric Interconnect/Switch. |
Example (Active-Backup):
C:\> enictool -c "Local Area Connection" "Local Area Connection 2" -m 1
Phase 3: Management Commands
- To Delete a Team:
C:\> enictool -d "Local Area Connection" "Local Area Connection 2" - To View All Options:
C:\> enictool /?(Use this to fine-tune Load Balancing hash methods and advanced failover settings.)
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